After naming an architect for the Beaver Stadium renovation project in October, Penn State has begun the bidding process for ‘selective demolition’ on the west side of the stadium which is slated to begin in early 2024 according to a physical plant posting. Broadly, the scope and general timeline of the renovation project has been known since it was announced last year, but more specific details about sequencing had largely been unannounced.
“The primary scope of the Beaver Stadium renovation is on the West Side of the stadium,” the posting reads. “This approach would replace the current West Side of the stadium and provide improved access for broadcasting, greatly improved circulation, new restrooms, upgraded concession offerings, and much-needed premium seating. Included with the West Side replacement are much-needed miscellaneous improvements of the North, East, and South, as listed below. These combined projects will greatly enhance the fan experience and provide significant incremental revenue to fund these improvements.”
“The demolition scope consists of completely separating and removing the entire West sideline structure. Preconstruction will commence immediately upon award and conclude in August 2024. Miscellaneous enabling and selective demolition projects may begin in Spring 2024 and continue throughout construction. West sideline demolition and construction will immediately follow the 2024 football season. The main structural demolition of the West sideline is anticipated to be completed in two major phases following the 2024 and 2025 football seasons. The project will be substantially complete for the 2027 football season.”
The renovation project, which is earmarked for $700 million had an initial expenditure of $70 million approved by the Penn State’s Board of Trustees approved for the project in May for the initial phase of development and construction. Penn State athletics has repeatedly stated that no tuition dollars would be used for the project and that it would be entirely funding by Intercollegiate Athletics which operates under a separate budget than the academic wing of the university.
A Penn State spokesperson did not immediately return a request for comment regarding the scope of the early 2024 construction plans or if that would impact season ticket holders for the 2024 season. Penn State Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Pat Kraft has indicated that the renovation of Beaver Stadium would eventually impact some season ticket holders but that – at least publicly – no plan has been put into place regarding any aspect of ticket holders in relation to the next several years of construction.
